What you pay for a one-day truck rental
A one-day truck rental typically costs between $20 and $75 depending on the truck size, your location, and which company you use. Most rental companies charge a base daily rate plus mileage, though some offer unlimited mileage within a local area. You'll also pay a damage waiver (usually $15 to $30 per day) if you want to reduce your liability for dents or scratches, and you may face additional charges if you return the truck late or with a full fuel tank.
The largest national chains — U-Haul, Home Depot, Penske, and Budget — publish their rates online, and you can compare them before you book. Local moving companies and independent rental shops sometimes undercut the national chains for short distances, but they may have fewer truck sizes available or require a cash deposit. Prices fluctuate by season and day of the week; weekend rentals and summer months cost more than weekday winter rentals.
Key Takeaways
- One-day truck rentals range from $20 to $75 for the base rate, plus mileage charges unless you book unlimited mileage.
- You'll need a valid driver's license and a credit card to reserve; some companies require you to be at least 18 or 21 years old.
- Damage waivers, fuel charges, and late fees can add $50 to $150 to your total cost, so read the rental agreement before you sign.
- Booking online in advance usually locks in a lower rate than calling or showing up in person.
- Return the truck on time, with a full fuel tank, and photograph the condition before you leave to avoid surprise charges.
How to reserve a truck online
Visit the rental company's website and enter your pickup location, date, and time, plus your return date and time. The site will show available truck sizes — typically pickup trucks, cargo vans, 10-foot box trucks, 14-foot box trucks, and larger — with prices for each. Select the truck you need, choose whether to add a damage waiver or other insurance, and enter your driver's license number and credit card information to complete the reservation.
You'll receive a confirmation email with your reservation number, pickup address, and the exact rate you locked in. Most companies hold your rate for 24 hours; if you book further in advance, the rate may change if you don't complete payment. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early on pickup day with your driver's license and the credit card you used to reserve. The rental agent will walk you through the truck's condition, show you how to operate the equipment, and explain the fuel and mileage policy before you sign the rental agreement.
Truck sizes and what they fit
A pickup truck (half-ton or full-ton) holds roughly 50 to 100 cubic feet and works for small moves like a single room of furniture, a few appliances, or a load of building materials. A cargo van holds 200 to 250 cubic feet and fits a studio apartment or a moderate amount of household goods. A 10-foot box truck holds 300 to 350 cubic feet and works for a one-bedroom apartment or a small house move. A 14-foot box truck holds 500 to 600 cubic feet and handles a two-bedroom apartment or a larger house move.
If you're unsure which size you need, most rental companies let you call or chat with an agent to describe what you're moving. They can recommend a truck size and tell you whether you'll need multiple trips or a larger truck. Renting a truck that's too small means multiple trips and extra rental days; renting one that's too large wastes money and makes driving harder in tight spaces.
Mileage charges and unlimited-mileage options
Most national rental companies charge per mile — typically 50 cents to $1.50 per mile — on top of your daily rate. If you're moving locally and driving fewer than 50 miles round-trip, mileage charges may add only $25 to $75 to your bill. If you're driving 200 miles or more, mileage charges can exceed your base rental rate.
Many companies offer unlimited mileage for a flat fee, usually $15 to $40 more than the base rate. If your move involves a long drive, unlimited mileage almost always costs less than pay-per-mile. Compare the two options on the rental website before you book: enter your expected mileage, and the site will show you the total cost under each plan. Choose unlimited mileage if the total is lower, or if you're uncertain about your exact distance.
Insurance, damage waivers, and what you're liable for
When you rent a truck, you are responsible for any damage that occurs during the rental period — dents, scratches, mechanical failure caused by misuse, or damage from an accident. The rental company will charge you for repairs, which can range from $200 for minor dents to several thousand dollars for major damage or total loss.
A damage waiver (also called a loss damage waiver or LDW) reduces or eliminates your liability for damage. It typically costs $15 to $30 per day and covers most accidental damage, though it usually excludes damage from neglect, misuse, or violations of the rental agreement. Some credit cards and personal auto insurance policies cover rental trucks, so check your coverage before you buy the waiver — you may already be protected.
Read the damage waiver terms carefully: some waivers have a deductible (you pay the first $500 or $1,000 of damage), and some exclude specific types of damage like windshield cracks or undercarriage damage. If you decline the waiver and cause damage, the rental company will bill you directly, and the charge may appear on your credit card weeks after you return the truck.
Fuel, late returns, and extra fees
You must return the truck with a full fuel tank. If you don't, the rental company will charge you for fuel at a rate significantly higher than gas station prices — often $5 to $8 per gallon. Fill up at a gas station near the return location before you drop off the truck, and keep your receipt as proof.
Late returns incur additional charges. If your rental period is 24 hours and you return the truck 30 minutes late, you may be charged a partial day rate (often 50% of the daily rate) or a full additional day. Some companies charge by the hour for returns under a certain threshold. Check the rental agreement for the late-return policy, and plan to return the truck well before your important date.
Other fees to watch for include equipment charges (dollies, furniture pads, or tie-down straps), tolls if you drive through toll roads, and administrative fees if you return the truck to a different location than you picked it up. Ask the rental agent to explain all fees before you sign, and request an itemized receipt when you return the truck so you can verify charges.
What to do if the truck breaks down or you're in an accident
If the truck breaks down during your rental, call the rental company's roadside information number when ready — it's on your rental agreement and in the truck's glove box. Most companies offer free towing and a replacement truck at no extra charge if the breakdown is due to a mechanical defect, not misuse. Do not attempt repairs yourself or call your own mechanic; the rental company will not reimburse you.
If you're in an accident, stop at a safe location and call the police if anyone is injured or if damage is significant. Take photos of the truck, the other vehicle (if involved), the scene, and any visible damage. Get the other driver's name, phone number, address, insurance information, and vehicle details. Call the rental company when ready and report the accident; do not admit fault or sign anything except the police report. The rental company will guide you through the claims process and may charge you a deductible or hold you liable for damage, depending on your damage waiver and the accident circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a certain age to rent a truck?
Most national rental companies require you to be at least 18 years old with a valid driver's license, though some require 21 or older. A few companies charge an additional young-driver fee for renters under 25. Check the rental company's age policy when you book.
Can I rent a truck with a debit card instead of a credit card?
Most companies require a credit card for the security deposit and to cover potential damage charges. Some accept debit cards but may place a larger hold on your account. Call the rental company before you book if you don't have a credit card.
What happens if I return the truck dirty?
Most rental agreements require you to return the truck reasonably clean. If it's excessively dirty — mud caked on the bed, food or trash inside the cab — the company may charge a cleaning fee, typically $50 to $150. Sweep out the bed and wipe down the interior before you return it.
Can I rent a truck one-way, or do I have to return it to the same location?
Most national companies offer one-way rentals, but they charge a relocation fee on top of the daily and mileage rates. The fee can be $100 to $500 or more depending on distance. Compare the total cost of a one-way rental versus renting locally and driving back yourself.
What if I need to keep the truck longer than one day?
Contact the rental company as soon as you know you need extra time. If you return the truck late without notifying them, you'll pay late fees. If you call ahead, they may extend your reservation at the same daily rate if the truck is available, or they may charge a partial day rate for the extra hours.